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Kitchen Leader

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
Part-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $14.35 - $15.96
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
Flexible
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Benefits

Tuition Assistance
Free Food
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Digital Tips
Paid Time Off
holiday closures
competitive compensation
Opportunities for advancement

Job Description

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is a fast-casual restaurant chain that has revolutionized the fast-food experience by emphasizing responsibly sourced, classically cooked real food made with wholesome ingredients. Since its founding, Chipotle has maintained a commitment to food with integrity—eschewing artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The company operates restaurants across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Unlike many chains of a similar size, Chipotle owns and operates all of its restaurants in North America and Europe, allowing for full control over the quality and customer experience.

Chipotle is more than just a restaurant; it's a mission-driven company focused on cultivating a better world. Its innovative approach is not only seen in the food but also in its dedication to sustainability, community engagement, and the use of digital technology to enhance customer interaction. The brand promotes a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels, underscoring a people-first philosophy that attracts world-class talent and fosters a supportive workplace environment. Chipotle provides opportunities for advancement and is recognized for training and promoting from within, with 80 percent of its managers having started as crew members.

The role of Kitchen Leader at Chipotle is an integral one, focused on ensuring the delivery of high-quality food and an exceptional customer experience. This leadership position is ideal for individuals passionate about food and team dynamics. Kitchen Leaders are responsible for mastering the preparation of meals, grilling meats, sautéing vegetables, and maintaining food safety and quality standards. Day-to-day, they ensure kitchen cleanliness, equipment maintenance, and stock management while supporting a strong, collaborative environment between the back-of-house and front-of-house teams.

As a Kitchen Leader, you serve not only as a skilled food preparer but also as a mentor. You help train and develop crew members into future leaders, fostering their growth and ensuring team members embody Chipotle's Food With Integrity philosophy. The role involves constant, active engagement in kitchen operations, multitasking between cooking, cleaning, inventory management, and communication to create a seamless workflow and positive customer interactions. The Kitchen Leader must maintain adherence to safety guidelines and regulatory requirements including the proper completion of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and adherence to inventory rotation practices.

Chipotle supports its employees with competitive compensation and a robust benefits package. The company values learning and growth, offering tuition assistance that covers 100 percent of select degrees or up to $5,250 annually, free food, medical, dental, and vision insurance, digital tips, paid time off, and holiday closures. The company’s commitment to employee well-being and career development makes it an attractive employer in the food service industry.

Overall, the Kitchen Leader position at Chipotle is more than just a job—it is an opportunity to join a vibrant company that is changing the way people think about fast food. The role is challenging and dynamic, suited to individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments and are eager to lead by example while advancing their careers. If you have restaurant experience and are ready to embrace the Food With Integrity philosophy, this role offers a meaningful career path with a company that values both its customers and team members equally.

Job Requirements

  • Have a high school diploma
  • Have restaurant experience
  • Be able to understand and adhere to safety and sanitation guidelines
  • Be able to stand for extended periods
  • Have basic math and inventory management skills
  • Be able to communicate effectively with team members and customers

Job Qualifications

  • Have the ability to understand and articulate Chipotle's Food With Integrity philosophy
  • Have the knowledge and ability to speak, write, and understand the primary language(s) of the work location
  • Have restaurant experience
  • Have strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Show leadership ability and a commitment to teamwork
  • Be able to work in a fast-paced environment

Job Duties

  • Ensuring food quality by cooking and prepping food to order and following kitchen procedures
  • Monitoring food waste and inventory levels and resolving food quality issues
  • Supporting a strong team dynamic between back of house Crew and front of house Crew
  • Developing Crew members to be future Kitchen Leaders
  • Communicating with Crew members and customers effectively to ensure great customer service and throughput
  • Ensuring the kitchen is properly cleaned and sanitized
  • Monitoring kitchen equipment and ensuring it is kept in good repair and making sure malfunctioning equipment is repaired as quickly as possible

Job Criteria

Experience

Entry Level (1-2 years)


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